Feedback for Instructors

Peer Observations and Feedback

Instructors can learn a great deal from observing each other. ATL encourages instructors to partner with a couple of other instructors to sit in on each other’s classes and discuss what comes up. Instructors can also arrange to observe a more experienced colleague who is using a teaching approach they would like to try or refine.

Best practices suggest beginning informal peer observations by having instructors identify a specific area for feedback, rather than getting feedback on everything that occurs in a class period. ATL can provide guidelines and samples to help structure peer observations.

Midterm Feedback Surveys

You can collect feedback from students at midterm to get a picture of their experiences so far, using on online survey. ATL suggests surveying students at either weeks 5, 6, or 7, so instructors have time to use the feedback. Some instructors like to get feedback before the midterm exam, others prefer to get it after the exam.